The Maintenance and Care of Clear Aligners

Clear Aligners are a great way to straighten your teeth without others realizing that you are doing so. However, clear aligners require proper care and maintenance to ensure quality results and avoid any oral health concerns.

How to care for clear aligners

By having a full understanding of how to care for your clear aligners, you can ensure quality results, avoid paying additional costs for replacements and ensure good oral health throughout the entire process. The following are four useful techniques to ensure quality care of your clear aligners.

Clean and rinse your clear aligners

First and foremost, it is important to keep your clear aligners clean at all times. Clear aligners are vulnerable to the accumulation of bacteria and food particles that can become trapped between the aligner and the teeth, which can then cause enamel erosion.

To avoid damage to the aligners or your teeth, it is important to clean and rinse your aligners several times each day, particularly in the morning, at night and after each meal. By doing so, you can keep your clear aligners clean, ensuring the durability of the aligner and your own good oral health.

Practice good oral hygiene

It is especially important to practice good oral hygiene when wearing clear aligners. If the mouth is not well cared for, plaque containing harmful bacteria has a higher chance of accumulating on the surface of teeth. When wearing clear aligners, be sure to practice good oral hygiene by brushing several times each day, flossing after each and every meal and using mouthwash daily. It is also important to check for any signs of gum or teeth problems on a daily basis and visit the dentist if a problem presents itself.  

Always use your case

Leaving your clear aligners exposed out in the open when not in use can lead to a buildup of bacteria, which can lead to the patient experiencing bad breath, enamel erosion and even becoming sick. With clear aligners, your case is your best friend. Be sure to keep the clear aligners stored in a clean case when they are not being worn. Additionally, be sure to wash the case on a regular basis, ensuring the case is clean as well.

Replace damaged aligners

Although clear aligners are very strong and made to resist damage, there are times when aligners may become damaged or broken even when proper maintenance and care is practiced. If your clear aligners become damaged, broken or ineffective, be sure to have them replaced as soon as possible to ensure quality results and avoid any potential setbacks in your progress.

The bottom line

Because clear aligners are a removable teeth straightening option, they have certain needs when it comes to their maintenance and care. By practicing the techniques mentioned above, your clear aligners should remain in good shape and be able to fulfill their purpose of giving you a great smile.

Request an appointment here: https://www.stgeorgedentalcare.com or call St. George Dental Care at (435) 628-9099 for an appointment in our St George office.

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